A double by Wagner Ribeiro and a late strike by Uzbek forward Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov yesterday helped Al Sailiyah fight back from a goal’s deficit for a 3-1 win over hosts Al Arabi.
Showing good early season form Ribeiro scored twice (33 and 49) while Abdukholiqov struck in the 75th minute at Al Arab Stadium. For hosts Al Arabi, the long goal came from Khalfan Ibrahim (23).
After a slow start at Al Arabi Stadium, home midfielder Ahmed Fateh got booked for a reckless body blow on Abdullah Mohammed in the 6th minute. Referee Saoud Ali was quick to slap the yellow card on Fateh for the needless tackle.
In the 23rd minute, feared striker Ibrahim opened the scoring for his ‘former’ and present employers Al Arabi.
Ibrahim, who moved to Al Arabi from Al Sadd in the summer, slipped past three defenders including Magdi Aballah and Dragos Grigore before unleashing smart shot past goalkeeper Aziz.
Ibrahim, a former Qatar national team striker, celebrated his goal with his teammates and cheering Al Arabi fans as the home side went 1-0 up in spectacular fashion.
In the 33rd minute, Al Sailiyah produced the equaliser through Ribeiro who hoodwinked his marker before sending the Al Arabi goalkeeper the wrong way for his side’s first goal.
Early into the second half, Al Sailiyah grabbed the lead once again through Yugoslav midfielder Ribeiro.
Rebeiro, formerly of El Jaish, converted a direct free-kick with ease as Al Sailiyah took the lead in the 49th minute.
Ten minutes later veteran left-back Nadir Belhadj - formerly of Al Sadd - fired a slick shot just inches above the turf but the left-footed drive - executed from the edge of the box - was punched away by Al Sailiyah goalkeeper Aziz.
Soon after the hour-mark, a feisty Ribeiro was booked by the referee for elbowing an Al Arabi striker while the home side prepared for a free-kick.
To wrap up their commanding show, substitute Abdulkholikov fired one home from close range as Al Sailiyah celebrated their third goal in the 75th minute.
